Baked Shrimp Dip – todaystats

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Serves: 8-10 as an appetizer | Calories per Serving (2 tbsp): ~120

Recipe Introduction: The Crowd-Pleasing Classic, Elevated

This isn’t just a dip; it’s a centerpiece. Our Ultimate Hot Baked Shrimp Dip transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece. Featuring tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, creamy base of cheeses, aromatics, and a touch of spice, this dip strikes the perfect balance between decadent and approachable. Served straight from the oven with a crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s the guaranteed star of any gathering—from holiday parties to game day feasts. It’s warm, comforting, and irresistibly dippable.

Ingredients

For the Dip Base:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup (120g) full-fat sour cream
½ cup (120g) high-quality mayonnaise (like Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
1 cup (4 oz) freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup (1.5 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

8 oz raw small-to-medium shrimp (51/60 or 61/70 count), peeled, deveined, tails removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of salt and pepper

For the Buttery Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For Serving:

Sliced baguette, toasted
Sturdy crackers (like water crackers, Wheat Thins, or pita chips)
Sliced vegetables (celery, bell peppers, cucumber)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp (10 minutes)

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Chop into ½-inch pieces.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. This quick precook ensures they stay tender in the bake and won’t release excess water.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base & Assemble (10 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat until completely smooth and lump-free.
Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack, ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan, 2 cloves minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, smoked paprika, cayenne, half of the chopped parsley, and all of the sliced green onions. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the cooked, chopped shrimp. Taste the mixture (it’s safe now!) and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, the crackers and bread will add salt.
Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart (or 9-inch) oven-safe baking dish, such as a ceramic quiche dish or small cast-iron skillet. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Add the Crispy Topping & Bake (5 minutes active, 20-25 minutes baking)

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, 1 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 tbsp parsley. Toss until the panko is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery panko mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dip.
Bake on the center rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling vigorously around the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown.
Optional Broil: For extra color and crispness on the topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 4: The Final Touch & Serve

Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Garnish with the remaining chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

The Classic Spread: Place the hot baking dish on a trivet surrounded by sliced toasted baguette, sturdy crackers, and crudités.
As a Meal: Spoon the hot dip over a baked potato or spread it on a toasted hoagie roll for an epic shrimp cheesesteak-inspired sandwich.
Beverage Pairing: Pairs beautifully with a crisp, cold Chardonnay, a citrusy IPA, or sparkling water with lemon.

Nutrition Information (Per 2-tablespoon serving)

Calories: ~120
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 5g

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands of cheese, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs used.

Chef’s Notes: The Secrets to Dip Mastery

The “Why” Behind the Method:

Pre-cooking the Shrimp: This is the single most important step for a perfect dip. Adding raw shrimp to the bake would cause them to release a significant amount of water, resulting in a watery, separated dip. Sautéing locks in flavor and ensures a creamy, cohesive final product.
Room Temperature Dairy: Using softened cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese will never blend smoothly, leaving unsightly lumps in your dip.
The Panko Topping: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier topping than regular breadcrumbs. The butter ensures browning and adds rich flavor. This layer provides essential textural contrast to the creamy dip below.

Ingredient Insights & Substitutions:

Shrimp: For ease, use pre-cooked salad shrimp. Thaw, pat dry, chop, and skip the sauté step. For a more luxurious feel, use larger shrimp and chop them more coarsely.
Cheeses:
- Monterey Jack: Provides excellent meltability and a mild flavor. Can be substituted with Gouda, Fontina, or mild cheddar.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty, umami punch. For the best flavor and texture, always grate it fresh from a block.
Spice Adjustments: The cayenne and Old Bay provide a gentle kick. For a “Shrimp Scampi” Dip, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and use 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. For a “Cajun” Dip, replace the Old Bay with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.

Pro-Tips for Flawless Execution:

Dry Your Shrimp: Moisture is the enemy of a creamy dip. After washing, pat shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before chopping and sautéing.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can inhibit smooth melting. Ten minutes of grating makes a world of difference in texture.
Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the dip completely (through adding the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
The Right Vessel: A wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate or skillet) provides more surface area for the crispy topping compared to a deep, narrow dish.

Troubleshooting:

Dip is Watery/Greasy: Likely caused by shrimp that weren’t patted dry or cooked in too much oil, or mayonnaise/cream cheese that separated due to overmixing after adding hot shrimp. Ensure all ingredients are cooled before mixing, and drain any liquid from the cooked shrimp plate.
Topping Soggy or Burned: Sogginess comes from placing topping on too soon before baking (it absorbs moisture). Burned topping is from a broil that was too long or too close to the element. Bake until mostly golden, then broil for only 60-90 seconds if desired.
Dip is Too Thick: The dip will thicken as it bakes. If your mixture seems excessively thick before baking, you can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk, seafood stock, or the leftover lemon juice.

Storage & Reheating:

Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating for Best Quality: Reheat portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warm throughout. The microwave will soften the topping and can cause separation. For a single serving, re-crisp under the broiler for a minute after microwaving.